Ixora chinensis (Jungle Flame)

Ixora chinensis (Jungle Flame) yellow flower cluster with small rounded petals and tight buds.

Botanical name: Ixora chinensis

Common names: Jungle Flame, Needle Flower, Flame of the Woods, Jungle Geranium

Family: Rubiaceae

USDA Zone: 9-10

Plant form: Small

Mature height: 2-5 ft

Sun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Regular

Flower color: Pink; white and off-white; red, crimson, vinous; yellow, orange

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Fragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Ixora chinensis is a salt-tolerant plant that is popular for its pink and white blossoms and its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It can be grown in containers in cold regions and is suitable for growing in ground in USDA Zones 9-11. This small shrub is easy to care for and makes an excellent flowering hedge, accent, or addition to mixed perennial beds. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soils with high humidity. In the tropics, it should be placed in a part-shaded position, while in cooler climates it may need to be grown in a greenhouse. Prune annually to maintain the shape of the bush or encourage flowering, and remove withered flowers and dried leaves as needed.

It has large, full flowers with rounded petals, which distinguish it from Ixora coccinea , which has pointed petals. The Maui Sunset Ixora is a hybrid of Ixora chinensis that has stunning sunset-peach flowers and olive toned green foliage. It grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and has bronze colored new growth. The flowers appear almost year-round and range in color from butter yellow to peach. The fruit is round and dark purple to black. This plant is extremely undemanding and brings joy with its beautiful flowers all year long.

Learn more about ixora plants: Ixora - the Star of Southern Landscapes.